We were lucky to catch up with Deana Taylor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents laid the foundation for the health-conscious, community-focused person I am today. From an early age, they instilled in me the importance of regular exercise and proper nutrition—not as a punishment or a trend, but as a way of life. We didn’t just talk about being healthy—we lived it.

I remember Saturday mornings weren’t for cartoons in our house—they were for family workouts. Whether we were going for walks, doing light strength training in the living room, or cooking healthy meals together, my parents made health a shared, joyful experience. I didn’t realize at the time how deeply those habits were being ingrained in me.

What they did right was lead by example. They didn’t preach wellness—they modeled it. That early exposure created a natural passion in me for helping others live healthier lives. It’s what fueled my path into health education, wellness programming, and now leading initiatives that impact entire communities.

Their consistency, their commitment, and their belief that I could do anything with a healthy mind and body has shaped the way I show up for others every day. I am a wellness leader today because they made it a lifestyle—not a lecture.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the founder of SMSB Solutions, a wellness-centered company committed to transforming lives through movement, mindfulness, and meals. My journey into this field didn’t start with a business plan—it started in my childhood.

Thanks to my parents, I was raised with a deep appreciation for health and wellness. Exercise, nutrition, and intentional living weren’t optional in our home—they were woven into our daily routine. That early foundation turned into a lifelong passion, and eventually, a mission: to help others feel strong, supported, and whole in their own bodies and minds.

With a degree in biology, certification as a health worker, and training in motivational interviewing, I’ve worked across several industries to promote health—from schools and nonprofits to major corporations. I’ve had the honor of helping thousands of individuals reduce their health insurance premiums through behavior change, receiving an award from Cigna for helping over 6,000 employees reach better health outcomes.

Through SMSB Solutions, I offer services such as:

Corporate Wellness Programming (including customized plans that fit your company culture)

Fitness & Movement Classes (both virtual and in-person)

Mental Health & Mindfulness Workshops

Nutrition & Cooking Education (with a focus on food as medicine)

Company Garden Design for stress relief and farm-to-table experiences

What sets us apart? We don’t just focus on one piece of the puzzle—we create full-circle wellness experiences. Our approach blends science, culture, and compassion. We build sustainable habits that stick. Our goal is to make wellness feel doable, not daunting.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our “Seed to Stomach” curriculum—a K-12 program teaching kids how to grow, understand, and love healthy food. It’s a beautiful way to bring agriculture, science, and health education to life in the classroom and beyond.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that everyone deserves to feel good in their body and safe in their mind. I want potential clients and supporters to know that working with me means stepping into a space of empowerment, education, and long-term results—not quick fixes.

If you’re looking for a partner in wellness who understands the science, the struggle, and the soul behind the journey—I’m here for it. Let’s make wellness work for real life.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely—I would choose this path again without hesitation.

Wellness isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. Every step along the way, from childhood workouts with my parents to becoming a biology major, a certified health worker, and a corporate wellness strategist, has confirmed that I was built for this work.

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that what I teach can change someone’s day—or even their life. Whether it’s watching a client reclaim their energy, helping a company culture shift toward prioritizing wellness, or seeing children light up as they harvest food they’ve grown themselves—it all reinforces that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

If I could go back, I might have leaned into entrepreneurship earlier, but every experience—even the tough ones—shaped how I serve people today. I’m proud of that. So yes, I’d choose this profession again and again, because wellness is not just a career for me—it’s a calling.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been rooted in authenticity. I truly believe that people connect with what’s real. By being my full, authentic self in every space I enter—personally and professionally—I’ve built a foundation of trust that naturally leads to growth.

I openly share stories from my own life—experiences that are not only meaningful but also impactful and relatable. These moments spark connection. They remind people that they’re not alone, and they create space for genuine relationships to form.

This relationship-building model doesn’t just help grow clientele—it creates a ripple effect. When people like you, trust you, and feel seen by you, they talk about you. That’s the kind of word-of-mouth marketing money can’t buy. It’s organic, it’s powerful, and it’s sustained my growth time and time again.

At the end of the day, authenticity is my strategy, and it’s the one that never fails me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smsb-solutions.com
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/deana.d.taylor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deana-taylor